Your Body Almanac

Electrician

Crawl spaces, ladders, overhead work and live circuits.

Electrical work bends you into attics, crawl spaces and ceiling voids, and keeps your arms overhead pulling wire. Alongside shock and arc-flash hazards, the slow damage shows up in the neck, shoulders, knees and back.

01

Shoulder and neck strain from overhead work

Running conduit, mounting fixtures and pulling wire overhead holds your arms up and your head tipped back. Over time that is linked to shoulder impingement, rotator cuff problems and neck pain.

SourcesShoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinitis (OrthoInfo, AAOS)Neck pain (OrthoInfo, AAOS)
Do band pull-apartsWeeklyStretch a resistance band across your chest to strengthen the upper-back muscles that pull your shoulders back. Do wall angelsDailySlide your arms up and down a wall to train the muscles that hold your shoulders and upper back upright. Stretch your chest in a doorwayDailyOpen up chest and shoulder muscles that tighten from hunching over desks, steering wheels and phones. Do chin tucksDailyGlide your head straight back to counter the forward-head posture that screens and desks encourage.
02

Knee and back strain in tight spaces

Crawl spaces, attics and panel work keep you kneeling, crouching or twisted for long stretches. Knees take direct pressure and the lower back works in awkward positions.

SourcesBursitis (NHS)Ergonomics (OSHA)
Wear knee pads for kneeling workAs neededCushion your knees whenever a job puts you on the floor, so the small fluid sacs in front of the kneecap don't get irritated. Stretch your hip flexorsDailyA kneeling lunge stretch for the muscles at the front of your hip, which tighten when you sit for long stretches. Do cat-cowDailySlowly round and arch your back on hands and knees to move your whole spine. Lift with your legsAs neededPlan the lift, keep the load close and bend at the knees, not the waist.
03

Shock, burns and arc flash

Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in construction. Arc flash can cause severe burns and eye injury in an instant. Lockout, testing for dead circuits and rated protective gear are the foundation of the job. Ordinary work gloves and safety glasses do not protect against shock or arc flash. That takes voltage-rated insulating gloves and arc-rated face and body protection, and de-energizing and locking out circuits before work.

SourcesElectrical (OSHA)Electrical contractors eTool (OSHA)

No daily practice fixes this one. Follow the steps described here.

04

Falls from ladders

Much electrical work happens on ladders and lifts. Overreaching while focused on a task is a common way to fall, and even short falls can cause serious injury.

SourcesConstruction eTool — Falls (OSHA)
Work safely at heightAs neededSet up ladders and raised platforms carefully so a slip doesn't become a fall. Wear supportive shoesAs neededChoose shoes that fit well and suit your activity, and replace them when they wear out.

When to see a professional

Get emergency care after any electric shock, even if you feel fine, since injuries can be internal. See a doctor for shoulder pain at night or when lifting your arm, neck pain that spreads into an arm, or a swollen, hot knee.